About Natasha
Roots & Family
I’m a lifelong resident of the 29th District, the eldest daughter of a father whose family immigrated from Finland and a mother who grew up in Malaysia. I have a younger sister, now a second-grade teacher, and two spicy, loving chihuahuas, Bella and Nutmeg.
I attended Sheridan Elementary and Stewart Middle School in the 29th District, then Henry Foss High School nearby, and later Pacific Lutheran University. These experiences - growing up and learning in and around our community - grounded me in the values, connections, and understanding that guide me today.
Growing up, I often visited family in Malaysia, navigating two cultures. This wasn’t unusual in our community, as many of my classmates were from multiracial and multinational families and grew up bridging cultures, which shaped how I see the world and understand the value of inclusion. My family instilled values of hard work, responsibility, and sisu, the Finnish philosophy of resilience, grit, and determination, which guides how I approach challenges today.
Career in Public Service
I’ve worked across multiple levels of public service, from AmeriCorps at United Way, managing tutoring and hunger relief programs, to serving as a legislative assistant for Representative Jamila Taylor (30th LD) and Senator Bob Hasegawa (11th LD). I’ve seen firsthand how policy succeeds, or fails, and how it affects real people.
One of the most meaningful experiences was working with my colleagues to unionize legislative staff. Staff were facing burnout and high turnover, and we organized, advocated, and staged a strategic “sick-out” to gain the right to collectively bargain. This taught me a crucial lesson: you don’t have to be a lawmaker to make meaningful change. Real change starts when communities recognize a problem and push for something better. When people work collaboratively, persist, and act with intention, they will make a real difference.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked across all branches of Washington State government, giving me a front-row seat to what works, what doesn’t, and how policy decisions affect families in real, tangible ways.
Early Civic Awareness
In high school at Henry Foss, volunteering with Planned Parenthood introduced me to advocacy and the legislative process. I realized few people in my community had opportunities to participate in government beyond voting, which inspired me to pursue public service.
I attended Pacific Lutheran University on the Act Six scholarship, majoring in Political Science and Women & Gender Studies, blending policy work with an equity lens. I am currently completing my Master of Public Administration at the Evans School at UW, strengthening my ability to create meaningful impact through policy.
Over the years in school, it became clear that my place was in Pierce County as a public servant, much like the community members who took a chance on me.
Why I’m Running
I’m running for State House Position 2 because LD 29 deserves leadership that listens, invests, and acts. Families here face real challenges; housing is expensive, neighborhoods need safer infrastructure, and access to quality education can feel out of reach.
I am committed to representing diverse voices and making decisions with equity in mind. With sisu, experience, and a deep understanding of our community, I am ready to fight for families so that opportunity, safety for all, and access are rights, not luxuries. Together, we can build a district where children can thrive, parents feel supported, and neighbors know their voices matter. From one neighbor to another, I’m ready to hit the ground running and serve.